Troika Design Group, a strategic branding and design agency for companies in media and entertainment, has ushered in a bold new graphic design for top-rated cable network TNT. The launch of the Troika redesign coincided with the premiere of TNT's new series "Leverage" and introduced a rich multi-dimensional world of light and color. TNT's new on-air design was unveiled Dec. 7, 2008.
The new look pairs with TNT's plan to air more original programming than ever in 2009. By 2010, TNT plans to shift to a largely original primetime schedule. Troika was tasked with creating a fresh and exciting design that builds upon TNT's highly successful "We Know Drama" branding and showcases the network's top-quality original programming. TNT's dramatic focus allowed Troika to create a rich, expressive and dynamic look that capitalizes on the emotion within TNT's shows and sets the network apart from the crowd.
The new design repurposes the familiar circle in TNT's logo as a "Dramatic Light," encircling such TNT personalities as Kyra Sedgwick from "The Closer," Holly Hunter from "Saving Grace" and Timothy Hutton from "Leverage." This energetic light leads to promo information and ultimately creates a new, dynamic TNT logo.
"The TNT redesign was a comprehensive effort that spanned seven months," said Reid Thompson, Creative Director, Troika Design Group. "We worked closely with Neil DuFine, vice president of design for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies, to bring focus and consensus to the entire redesign effort. Our goal was to elevate the production value of TNT and to create an ownable, complex and beautiful graphic device, which evolved into 'Dramatic Light.'"
Troika was responsible for the new concept, design and post-production. A team of 3D and 2D artists handled tracking, compositing, editing and design. Primary VFX packages included Maxon Cinema 4D, Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects and Side Effects Houdini. In all, Troika delivered a comprehensive network identity package that comprised IDs, original and acquired series promotion, navigation, sales initiatives and digital packaging.